As the warm months roll in, you likely have an exciting lineup of summer activities planned. Whether you’re hitting the beach, swimming, jogging, attending a baseball game, or grilling up a delicious dinner, your schedule is packed. To fully enjoy these activities, it’s essential to ensure that your hearing aids are prepared to meet the demands of the season.
Summer activities can pose specific challenges for your hearing aids. However, with some simple precautions, you can protect these delicate devices and enjoy your summer to the fullest.
Summer-specific hearing aid challenges
Every season brings its own set of challenges for hearing aid users, and summer is no different. The primary issues during this time are related to weather and the environment.
Here are some common summer-related challenges:
- Moisture: Humidity, swimming, rain, and sweat all contribute to the high moisture levels prevalent in summer. Excessive moisture is detrimental to hearing aids, causing malfunctions and damage.
- Wind: Strong winds can dislodge your hearing aids and introduce dust and debris into the devices, potentially causing blockages or damage.
- Debris, Sand, and Dirt: Summer activities often involve outdoor adventures. At the beach, for instance, sand can easily get into your hearing aids, leading to complications.
The increased time spent outdoors during summer naturally elevates your exposure to these elements. However, by taking a few proactive measures, you can safeguard your hearing aids and ensure they function optimally throughout the season.
Tips to keep your hearing aids safe in the summer
Your hearing aids are designed to enhance your quality of life, allowing you to participate fully in all your activities. To keep them working properly during the summer, consider the following tips:
Prevent moisture damage
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of hearing aids. To keep them dry, follow these guidelines:
- Avoid Water Exposure: Remove your hearing aids before swimming. To prevent residual moisture in your ears, consider wearing a swim cap and earplugs. This helps keep your ears dry, reducing the risk of transferring water to your hearing aids when you put them back in.
- Use a Microfiber Towel: Keep a microfiber towel handy to dry your hearing aids throughout the day. This can prevent moisture buildup that you might not notice.
- Dry Your Ears Thoroughly: Ensure your ears are completely dry before reinserting your hearing aids to avoid moisture transfer.
- Wear a Headband During Exercise: A headband can help absorb sweat and keep it away from your ears and hearing aids.
- Air Dry Your Hearing Aids: At night, open the battery compartment to allow your hearing aids to air dry, preventing corrosion and other moisture-related issues.
Keep your hearing aids clean
The combination of moisture and heat can promote bacterial growth, so maintaining cleanliness is crucial:
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Avoid leaving your hearing aids in hot or humid environments, such as on a car dashboard in the sun. Instead, store them in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Regular Disinfection: Use antibacterial and disinfectant wipes designed for hearing aids to regularly clean and disinfect your devices.
- Remove Debris: Regularly check your hearing aids for debris buildup and clean them as needed. It’s also beneficial to have them professionally cleaned periodically.
Enjoy your summer while keeping your hearing aids safe
Your hearing aids are designed to be your constant companions, no matter the season. With the right care, they can perform optimally even during the busy summer months. Whether you’re swimming in the lake, hiking in the mountains, or taking a leisurely walk around your neighborhood, following these tips will help ensure your hearing aids stay dry and functional. Enjoy all your summer adventures with the confidence that your hearing aids are up to the challenge.
Find a hearing specialist near you if your hearing aid is in need of maintenance.